1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster
To start off, 1981 Lotus Esprit is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster would be higher. At 3,678 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (159 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster weights approximately 548 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster (238 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster | |
| Make | Lotus | Plymouth |
| Model | Esprit | Trail Duster |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 3678 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1890 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2700 mm |
